actually, i was surprised my first time around... i was told to be prepared to get wet. nope. once they settled into the warm soapy water (about to mid-chest depth), they went to sleep. LOL
i used dish liquid to get some suds going in the sink (big 2x2x2 utility sink), and let them sit for a few minutes, then proceed to completely soak/suds the entire bird. i usually leave the head alone to prevent soap in their eyes/nostrils, and use a rag to wipe off any noticable dirt.
once you're satisfied that they're nice and clean (i've had some rescues that took 2 sudsings to get it all), drain and rinse the sink, and fill it again to the same level with clean warm water, and add a cup or so of white vinegar. rinse the bird again. this helps cut any sudsy residue on the feathers that would cause them to clump together. especially for the under-fluff.
the best part of all is the drying. my cochins LOVE being blow-dried. (on low heat setting). i'd sit there, doing one area, then another, flip em over onto their back to get the belly and legs, roll to the side for under the wings, and they were totally content to be babied...
granted, most of the birds i've washed were rescues/adoptees that came from less than perfect conditions and usually required removal of a bunch of vent/belly feathers (scissors mostly) in order to remove the attached mud clods. i also used a mild flea shampoo, to help get rid of lice and mites. so these guys were, i think, especially appreciative of being clean again.
